Round Rewind: AJ Double and Munro’s Dream Debut Sink the Warriors

Ahead of our next clash with the Warriors, we rewind to round 18 of the 2023 season, when the Rabbitohs braved wet and wild conditions at Go Media Stadium in Auckland to post a dominant 28-6 victory—led by a double to Alex Johnston and a dream debut from Tyrone Munro.

The Match

It was Auckland weather at its worst—relentless rain, slippery surfaces, and a tight early contest.

The Warriors struck first in the 15th minute with a sweeping left-side move that put Marcelo Montoya over in the corner. But that would be the home side’s only points for the night. In the 22nd minute, Cody Walker took control. Holding the ball deep into the line, he drew in a defender and created just enough space to open up the overlap. Quick hands from the left edge gave Alex Johnston a clear path to the line, and he dived over untouched for his first of the night.

Ten minutes later, Addin Fonua-Blake was penalised for a high tackle, and the Rabbitohs took the chance to lock it up. A simple penalty goal in front made it six-all. Moments before the break, South Sydney took the lead. A short ball close to the line sent Cameron Murray crashing through a gap in the defence. He planted the ball down and threw it high in celebration. The Rabbitohs were up 12-6 at halftime.

Souths came out of the sheds with confidence, dominating territory and possession. In the 48th minute, Walker popped up on the left edge again. With a deft chip kick on the last, he floated the ball behind the defensive line. AJ read it perfectly and chased it down for his second try of the night. The lead extended to 16-6.

The Warriors threatened to close the gap midway through the second half, but a critical try was denied by the Bunker, keeping the momentum in the Rabbitohs hands.

In the 66th minute, Lachlan Ilias nudged a clever grubber behind the line. Tyrone Munro flew past the Warriors outside backs and dived onto the ball in the in-goal to score a special four-pointer on debut. He was mobbed by teammates in a celebration full of joy. At this point the game was in the balance, and the Rabbitohs led 22-6.

With three minutes to play, Cody Walker wrapped around to the right and linked with Munro, who was burning down the sideline. The debutant launched a long kick into the in-goal, and Blake Taaffe exploded onto the scene. Though Wayde Egan looked like the favourite to win the race, Taaffe snuck his fingertips over the ball to ground it first. Initially ruled no try, the Bunker overturned the call and the Rabbitohs were awarded the final try of the night. 28-6, full-time.

Key Performers

Alex Johnston – two tries, 87 run metres, one line break, five tackle breaks
Cody Walker – 79 run metres, one try assist, two line break assists
Tevita Tatola – 144 run metres, 69 post contact metres, 28 tackles (none missed)
Hame Sele – 180 run metres, 82 post contact metres, 21 tackles (none missed)
Keaon Koloamatangi – 155 run metres, 71 post contact metres, 28 tackles (two missed)
Cameron Murray – 102 run metres, one line break, one try, 37 tackles (four missed)
Tyrone Munro – one try, one try assist, 84 run metres
Taane Milne – 164 run metres, 77 post contact metres, two offloads